There are a lot of things fashionistas can look forward to this September: Fashion week, the famous September Issue, and of course, the ABS-CBN Ball.

Happening once a year, the special occasion gathers the brightest Kapamilya stars all in one venue! But apart from serving us awe-inspiring red carpet looks, the ABS-CBN Ball first and foremost benefit a worthy cause. This 2019, the ball will support and benefit underprivileged children through Bantay Bata 163's Bantay Edukasyon Scholarship Program.

To officially celebrate 65 years of being in the service of the Filipino people, the stars will come in their best Modern Filipiniana outfits for the ABS-CBN Ball. And by that, we don't just mean the traditional (but chic!) baro't saya and the Balintawak dress we've all worn at least once in elementary school. No, this isn't Linggo ng Wika. 

This September 14, prepare to be in for a visual treat—expect to see an abundance of contemporary evening wear that draw inspiration from our centuries-old Filipino costumes. The 2019 ABS-CBN Ball red carpet fashion shines the light on Filipino craftsmanship—merging the old with the new, injecting trends into traditions.

A lot of celebrities will also be working with independent Pinoy designers this year, which is bound to make things more fun and exciting. Indeed, Philippine fashion is on the rise—and we're absolutely happy to know that the local fashion industry is finally receiving the support and attention it deserves.

Ahead, we've listed down our fashion trend predictions for the most-awaited ball:

The Terno

We can't talk about Filipiniana without mentioning the famous Terno. Known for its pressed butterfly sleeves, the Terno is a dress unique to the Philippines. According to "Fashionable Filipinas: An Evolution of the Philippine National Dress in Photographs 1860-1960" co-author Mark Lewis Higgins, the terno is distinct to us, and is a combination of both Eastern & Western cultures.

This ball, watch out for Terno-inspired ball gowns, mini dresses, tops, and even pantsuits!

READ: Puff Sleeves Are The Biggest Fashion Trend Of 2019—Here's Where To Get Them!

Artwork by Raff Colmenar

(L-R): Arra San Agustin in Milka Quin, Heart Evangelista in Mark Bumgarner, Kathryn Bernardo in Anthony Ramirez, Gabbi Garcia in Filip+Inna, and Bianca Co in Paul Cabral

Traje de Mestiza

The traje de mestiza (literally "mestiza dress") features both Filipino and Western influences. After all, the Philippines was a Spanish colony for 333 years! This traditional costume is also called the Maria Clara, taking inspiration from the heroine of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere. She is known for her femininity, modesty, and elegance.

Look out for traje de mestiza-inspired pieces like stiff, off-shoulder ensembles and numbers with puff sleeves!

(L-R): Model in Michael Leyva, Model in Tygie, Pia Wurtzbach in Anthony Ramirez, and Model in Tygie

Modern Barong Tagalog

Thanks to the rise of androgynous fashion, the Barong Tagalog is no longer just a man's costume. Ladies today can also don the fashionable, translucent piece in formal occasions!

Feast your eyes on breath-taking interpretations of the modern Barong Tagalog. From blouses and tops, to capes and even tiered skirts, the versatile piña textile never fails to exude effortless elegance.

READ: These Local Labels Incorporate Piña, Abaca, And Other Renewable Resources Into Modern Wear

RPhilippine Fashion: These Local Labels Incorporate Piña, Abaca, And Other Renewable Resources Into Modern Wear

Artwork by Raff Colmenar

(L-R): Model in Gabbie Sarenas, Julia Montes in Nuevo Ystilo, Gretchen Ho in Kultura, Kristine Liao Treñas in Jor-El Espina, Model in Tygie

With over 7,600 islands, the Philippines is home to plenty of indigenous groups. Together with the rise of sustainable and ethical fashion, more and more people are now patronizing locally-made textiles. It's about time we support the artisans within our indigenous communities! Not only are Filipino handwoven textiles intricately beautiful, but they also carry so much history, culture, and tradition.

To learn more, we created an in-depth article on how to wear Philippine textiles responsibly, according to a textile expert.

Artwork by Raff Colmenar

(L-R): Model in Anthill Fabric Gallery,  Marga Nograles in KAAYO, Model in Filip+Inna, Senator Pia Cayetano in Michael Leyva, Tootsy Angara in Rajo Laurel

Interpretations of Filipino Elements

Finally, here's another trend forecast we can't wait to see on the ABS-CBN Ball red carpet: creative interpretations of Filipino elements! 

We've all seen our very own Miss Universe Catriona Gray gracefully pull the trend off, all thanks to her favorite couturier Mak Tumang.  She's worn a fiery, Ibong Adarna-inspired slit dress, an unforgettable Mayon Volcano-themed gown, a gorgeous Sampaguita-inspired terno, and a waling-waling evening gown!

EXCLUSIVE: Inside The Pampanga Atelier Of Mak Tumang, The Designer Of Catriona Gray's Iconic Gowns!

Artwork by Raff Colmenar